Land Guardian Operations Manager

Job Scope

Context: Since time immemorial, our citizens have been stewards of our territory. Our Land Guardian Program, also known as Nahnéhé Gegenı́hı (“our land they look after” in Dene) and Kakinawetakwow Uski (“keepers of the land” in Cree) provides a formal mechanism to support those stewardship responsibilities and our Treaty Rights for future generations. The Land Guardian Program supports our stewardship, land management and on-the-land cultural activities, in accordance with our Treaty rights protected under Canada’s constitution. The Land Guardian Program conserves and develops the environmental, cultural and economic values of the lands and natural resources in our territory.

Reporting to the Director of Lands, Resources and Treaty Rights, the Manager oversees all aspects of operations for the Land Guardian Program and the Community Liaison Program. These two programs support the protection and conservation of land, water, air, and plant and animal species in our territory. The Manager develops, manages and evaluates these programs, and directs workers (including management of worker performance and safety), and develops and administers operational policies related to land, water, air and species conservation programs.

The Manager often joins other staff in the field and oversees the day-to-day activities and planning for this division of our operations. As a member of our management team, the Manager ensures short- and long-range planning for projects, programs, and services. This job requires cultural sensitivity; interacting with people in a sensitive and effective way. Also, due to the frequency of internal and external contacts, with regular exposure to sensitive and confidential matters, integrity and confidentiality are requirements.

Candidate Profile

The Manager is a focused and motivated self-starter with experience in environmental science, policy and management of people. The Manager has strong information gathering, organization skills, and communication skills. The Manager can analyze, prepare and present information in a manner that is suitable to all audiences. Managing field logistics and informing and engaging diverse workers are crucial to the work. The Manager has a passion for environmental stewardship, with knowledge and technical skills in the conservation and management of land, water, air and species.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role including guiding, mentoring and coaching employees.
• Demonstrated experience working in a safety sensitive role and a commitment to safe work practices.
• Experience in natural resource management, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Experience in writing proposals, preparing and managing budgets, and preparing reports.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of environmental science, Indigenous land rights and effective land management practices.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and people skills.
• Proficiency using technology such as MS Office, Google Workspace, and field instruments.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively manage a team, including managing interpersonal conflict and diverse persons.
• Ability to use GIS and other data management tools.

Other:

• Compliance with BC Immunization program, TB screening, and FNFN’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy.
• Ability to provide own transportation to and from work.
• Satisfactory completion of a Police Information Check.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and drivers abstract is required.

Optional:

• Ability to speak Dene and/or Cree
• Argo / Skidoo Training
• Wilderness First Aid
• Possession and Acquisition License
• Other certificates: WHMIS, OFA 1, H2S, PST

Work Conditions

Time is divided between office environment and field environment. Office work often takes place Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Will work with and lead the team out on the land. The work can be physically demanding, and at times requires travel by skidoo, ATV, helicopter, or boat, and hiking to sites. Moving field equipment to remote sites by hand or backpack is occasionally required. Work at remote sites may require overnight stays in a wall tent or catered camps when available. Safety protocols must be adhered to, with PPE as required. Responsible for driving a company owned vehicle to and from the field, to meet with and supervise workers, transport materials and supplies, and to deal with emergent situations.

Compensation

Remuneration: Competitive salary, 35-hour standard work week, comprehensive benefits (health/dental, insurances, weekly indemnities), pension, 6 weeks vacation (includes 2 weeks at Christmas), paid professional development, and relocation assistance for eligible candidate. Rate offered to the successful applicant is pending certification(s), experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes.

Lifestyle: This unique work opportunity offers a life experience in one of the most beautiful and affordable places to live in Canada. Fort Nelson is a regional municipality with year-round indoor and outdoor recreation and cultural activities. Explore the ‘Serengeti of the North’ in our super natural Northern Rockies, British Columbia!

Application Instructions

We thank all individuals for applying, but only those applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate that all of the requested minimum requirements are met will receive a reply.

Closes: When filled.

Other: Preference may be given to qualified First Nation’s applicants. Kindly forward your cover letter and resume.

* Constitution Act, 1982 [Section 35]; Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [Section 15(1)]; Canadian Human Rights Act [Section 16(1)]; Employment Equity Act [Section 5(a), 10(b)]; Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [Article 22]; ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $37.90-$40.15 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person